Why You Should Skip Phú Quốc: Vietnam’s Tourist Trap
Phú Quốc is often portrayed as a paradise island, but the reality is quite different. With overtourism, exorbitant prices, and empty infrastructure, the island has lost its charm.
Here’s why you should think twice before heading there – and where to go instead for a truly memorable trip to Vietnam.
1. Frequent Scams
Phú Quốc attracts many tourists, and some locals take advantage of this by setting up well-organized scams.
🔴 Example
Locals on scooters approach you with a big smile, acting very helpful and offering to guide you… But in the end, they demand money for a “service” you never asked for.
2. High Prices – A Tourist Trap
Everything is more expensive on the island: food, accommodation, transportation… Prices are often inflated, and some attractions are ridiculously overpriced.
💰 Example
The cable car to Hon Thom Island costs €25 for a one-way trip – an enormous price for Vietnam.
3. Ghost Town – Many Constructions but No People
In the south (and also in the north), you’ll find massive construction projects… but they’re completely empty. Some buildings are finished, but there’s no one inside – no shops, no restaurants, just abandoned structures.
🏚 Example
Some areas are fully built but never opened. You’ll find deserted streets with ghost hotels and shops, giving off a strange and abandoned atmosphere.
4. Dirty Beaches – A Serious Lack of Maintenance
The image of Phú Quốc’s paradise beaches is far from reality. Many are covered in trash, and no one seems to be taking care of them.
🗑 Example
Sao Beach is probably the most shocking: an impressive accumulation of waste, likely from the entire town, litters the sand and water.
5. Empty Tourist Attractions – A Strange Atmosphere
Some attractions are marketed as must-sees, but they are deserted and poorly maintained.
⚠ Example
VinWonders Phú Quốc, supposedly a major amusement park, is almost empty. There are barely any visitors, making the place eerie and even dangerous: few staff members, poorly maintained rides, and a general sense of abandonment.
Where to Go Instead?
If you’re looking for a more authentic alternative, here are some suggestions:
🌴 Côn Đảo Islands – Stunning beaches, a peaceful atmosphere, and rich history.
🏝 Nam Du Island – Wild and still untouched by mass tourism.
🌊 Phú Quý Island – A hidden paradise yet to be discovered.
☀ Quy Nhơn – Beautiful beaches and a city still off the beaten path for foreign tourists.
Conclusion
Phú Quốc still has a few perks – its night markets and fresh seafood – but be cautious. Tourist traps are everywhere.
